Effects of grain source, silage level, and slaughter weight endpoint on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality in Angus and Charolais steers

2007 ◽  
Vol 87 (2) ◽  
pp. 167-180 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. L. McEwen ◽  
I. B. Mandell ◽  
G. Brien ◽  
C. P. Campbell

Two growth performance trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of grain source (corn vs. barley), corn silage level (15 vs. 50%) and body weight (BW) at slaughter on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and beef quality. Gains were greater ( P < 0.01) feeding corn vs. barley to Angus cattle slaughtered at 550 or 600 kg, most likely due to greater (P < 0.02) feed intakes for corn-fed cattle. Despite greater dry matter intake (DMI; P < 0.01) and feed to gain ratios (P < 0.08) with 50% silage diets, cost of production was lower (P < 0.01) feeding 50 vs. 15% silage diets. Grain source by BW endpoint interactions (P < 0.06) were present for Angus steers due to greater average daily gain (ADG) and lower feed to gain and cost of production in corn-fed cattle slaughtered at 600 versus 550 kg, while the converse was the case for barley-fed cattle. Carcass characteristics and palatability attributes were generally not affected (P > 0.05) by grain source or silage level in the diet. Grain source by silage level by slaughter endpoint interactions (P < 0.08) were present for measures of tenderness (shear force and taste panel assessment of tenderness, chewiness, and rate of breakdown). Gains were not affected (P > 0.27) by grain source for Charolais cattle, while barley feeding decreased (P < 0.10) DMI, feed to gain, and costs of production versus corn feeding. Silage level in the diet did not affect (P > 0.10) any growth performance trait in Charolais cattle. Grain source generally did not affect (P > 0.10) most carcass characteristics and shear force with the Charolais steers. The feeding of the 15% silage diet decreased (P < 0.10) measures of leanness and muscling. Many carcass characteristics were affected (P < 0.02) by slaughter endpoint in Charolais steers, with values changing as BW at slaughter increased from 600 to 700 kg. Key words: Corn, barley, beef cattle, slaughter endpoint, shear force, palatability attributes


2012 ◽  
Vol 92 (3) ◽  
pp. 327-341 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. M. McGregor ◽  
C. P. Campbell ◽  
S. P. Miller ◽  
P. P. Purslow ◽  
I. B. Mandell

McGregor, E M., Campbell, C. P., Miller, S. P., Purslow, P. P. and Mandell, I. B. 2012. Effect of nutritional regimen including limit feeding and breed on growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality in beef cattle. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 92: 327–341. The effects of nutritional management regimen and breed on growth performance, carcass attributes, and meat quality were evaluated in 68 British (BRIT) and Continental (CONT) crossbred steers, managed on one of three nutritional regimens: (1) ad libitum access to a 77% corn diet (ALGRAIN), (2) limit feeding initially of the 77% corn diet, followed by ad libitum access to the 77% corn diet (LFGRAIN), and (3) limit feeding initially of a 90% haylage diet, followed by ad libitum access to the 77% corn diet (LFHAYL). Nutritional regimen by breed interactions (P<0.02) were present for average daily gain, dry matter intake (DMI), gain to feed, and shear force. LFHAYL regimen decreased gains to a greater extent for BRIT steers than CONT steers managed on ALGRAIN or LFGRAIN. Feed intakes were similar across nutritional regimens for CONT steers, while DMI was depressed in BRIT on LFHAYL as compared with steers started on ALGRAIN or LFGRAIN. Gain to feed was greater in BRIT cattle on LFGRAIN vs. ALGRAIN, while gain to feed was similar in CONT started on grain (ALGRAIN, LFGRAIN). Shear force was lower for beef from LFHAYL BRIT vs. beef from BRIT on ALGRAIN or LFGRAIN, while the converse was true for CONT. Limit feeding of a high-energy diet may be appropriate for cattle of British background to reduce feed input costs, while ensuring tenderness.



1994 ◽  
Vol 74 (4) ◽  
pp. 707-709 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ch. V. Boucqué ◽  
L. O. Fiems ◽  
B. G. Cottyn ◽  
R. J. Moermans ◽  
M. Sommer

Thirty-two double-muscled Belgian White-blue bulls, within a liveweight range of 542 (± 37) to 722 (± 31) kg, daily received 0 or 60 μg cimaterol kg−1 liveweight in a corn silage diet for 136 (± 29) d. Cimaterol slightly improved average daily gain from 1.28 to 1.38 kg (P > 0.05). Cold carcass weight and dressing were increased by cimaterol from 497.0 to 514.6 kg (P < 0.05) and from 71.0 to 72.9% (P < 0.001), respectively. Even in extremely meaty animals, cimaterol exerted a significant repartitioning effect towards more meat and less fat, both in the carcass and in the longissimus thoracis muscle. Cimaterol increased the shear force value from 37.1 to 52.7 N (P < 0.001) but had no effect on other organoleptical traits. Key words: Cimaterol, double-muscled bulls, growth, carcass, meat quality



2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pedro H V Carvalho ◽  
Mariana F Westphalen ◽  
Jonathan A Campbell ◽  
Tara L Felix

Abstract The objectives of the study were to determine the effect of coated or noncoated hormone implants on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and serum estradiol-17β (E2) concentrations of Holstein steers fed a grain-based diet for 112 d. Seventy-nine Holstein steers [average initial body weight (BW) = 452 ± 5.5 kg] were stratified by BW and allotted to one of two treatments: 1) Holstein steers implanted with a coated implant containing 200 mg of trenbolone acetate (TBA) and 40 mg E2 (Revalor-XS (Merck Animal Health; Summit, NJ)] on day 0 (XS) or 2) Holstein steers implanted two times (days 0 and 56) with a noncoated implant containing 80 mg of TBA and 16 mg of E2 [(2IS) Revalor-IS (Merck Animal Health)]. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC). There was no effect (P ≥ 0.71) of implant strategy on initial, middle, and final BW. No effect (P ≥ 0.12) of implant strategy was observed on average daily gain, dry matter intake, or gain-to-feed ratio. There were no effects (P ≥ 0.11) of implant strategy on carcass characteristics. There was an implant × day interaction (P &lt; 0.01) for the circulation of serum E2 concentrations. Serum E2 concentration increased similarly 14 d after Holstein steers were implanted, regardless of implant strategy. At 28 d, after steers were implanted, steers in the XS group had less serum E2 concentration than Holstein steers in the 2IS group. However, at 56 d after the first implantation, both groups, once again, had similar serum E2 concentrations and E2 concentrations were less on day 56 than day 28 for both strategies. Holstein steers implanted with 2IS had greater serum E2 concentration on day 70 and E2 concentrations remained greater than serum E2 of Holstein steers implanted XS for the duration of the trial (day 112). In summary, there was no effect of coated or two doses of noncoated implant on growth performance or carcass characteristics of Holstein steers.



1970 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
pp. 389-396
Author(s):  
W. Addah ◽  
A. Ayantunde ◽  
E.K. Okine

The study investigated the effects of re-alimenting dietary protein or energy on growth, carcass characteristics and meat eating quality parameters of sheep. Twenty-seven intact rams (~9 months; 11.3 ± 0.5 kg) were randomly divided into three groups. Each group was fed a maintenance diet (MT) containing, on dry matter (DM) basis, 105 g/kg crude protein (CP) and 8.4 MJ/kg DM metabolizable energy (ME) for 30 days. Thereafter, they were continually fed the same MT or re-alimented with a high protein diet (HP) containing 169 g/kg DM CP and 9.3 MJ/kg ME or a high energy diet (HE) containing 123 g/kg DM CP and 10.6 MJ/kg ME for an additional 30 days to determine the effects of re-alimentation of protein or energy on their growth performance and carcass characteristics. During the initial 30-day period, DM intake (DMI) and growth performance were similar among the three groups. However, upon re-alimentation, average daily gain (ADG) and feed efficiency of sheep re-alimented with HP were greater than those maintained continually on MT or re-alimented with HE. Sheep on HP had higher feed efficiency, ADG and heavier carcasses than those fed MT or re-alimented with HE during the whole 60-day period. Growth of most viscera was less responsive to the restriction-re-alimentation feeding regimen except for the weights of the lungs, heart and intestines. Meat from sheep re-alimented with HE had a more intense ‘sheepy’ flavour than those fed MT or re-alimented with HP, but juiciness and tenderness were not affected. The higher ADG of sheep re-alimented with protein may be related more to enhanced efficiency of feed utilization than to higher DMI.Keywords: average daily gain, feed restriction, nutrient utilization efficiency, visceral organs



2006 ◽  
Vol 46 (12) ◽  
pp. 1571 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. W. Tomkins ◽  
G. S. Harper ◽  
H. L. Bruce ◽  
R. A. Hunter

The effects of post-weaning nutrient restriction on growth, carcass characteristics and beef quality were determined. Belmont Red weaner steers (n = 100) were allocated to an initial slaughter group and 3 treatment groups of 120 days duration: rapid growth, slow growth and weight loss. The average daily gain of the groups were (mean ± s.e.): 0.81 ± 0.02, 0.29 ± 0.02 and –0.22 ± 0.01 kg/day, for the rapid growth, slow growth and weight loss groups, respectively. At the end of the treatment period, rapid growth steers had significantly (P<0.05) heavier carcasses, higher dressing percentages and greater bone mineral contents than those from the weight loss group. Steers from each group were realimented for 192 days at pasture. Average daily gains during this period were 0.39 ± 0.03, 0.52 ± 0.04 and 0.61 ± 0.05 kg/day for the rapid growth, slow growth and weight loss groups, respectively. Ten animals from the rapid growth group were then slaughtered to determine carcass characteristics. The remaining steers were finished at pasture for a further 409 days. During this period there was no significant difference in average daily gain between treatment groups. Steers from the rapid growth group had a significantly greater final weight (531 ± 16.8 kg) compared with weight loss steers (481 ± 14.0 kg). Carcass characteristics, eye muscle area, bone mineral content and objective measures of meat quality for the M. longissimus dorsi and M. semitendinosus did not differ significantly between groups. Shear peak force values for cooked M. longissimus dorsi samples were not significantly different between groups. Clipped meat quality scores for M. longissimus dorsi samples, as assessed by Meat Standards Australia, were not significantly different between treatment groups and indicated consumer acceptability. It was concluded that nutrient restriction in the immediate post-weaning period followed by pasture realimentation did not influence final carcass characteristics or beef quality.



2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 53-54
Author(s):  
Tara L Felix

Abstract To increase profitably, dairy farms across the United States have rapidly adopted breeding a portion of their cows to beef sires, generating crossbred progeny. The resulting progeny have, in some cases, increased the value of the calf to the dairy, due to their perceived potential for improved growth, feed efficiency, and carcass characteristics for beef production. U.S. research is behind our European counterparts in recommending the appropriate beef sires for dairy matings, and U.S. semen trends show Angus sales over many other breeds. However, Kempster et al. (1982) reported that calves sired by British breed bulls were actually at a disadvantage in growth performance compared to even purebred Holstein calves. Finnish researchers agreed, reporting that the resulting crossbreds from Aberdeen Angus and Hereford bulls were extremely variable, making them undesirable for beef production. However, resulting crossbred calves from late maturing breed types (Charolais, Limousine, and Simmental) had better average daily gain and carcass characteristics than their counterparts from early maturing breeds (Huuskonen et al., 2013). A comprehensive review of early crossbred systems similarly suggested that calves sired by Continental breeds, like Charolais, had an advantage in the feedlot and the packing house (Shank, 2003). Going a bit further, another European study examined the used of 3 beef breeds (Belgian Blue, Limousine, and Galacian Blonde) known for heavy muscling, but not common in the United States, for use as crossbreeding sires (Fouz et al., 2012). Holstein cows bred to Belgian Blue sires had the greatest difficulty calving; however, calving difficulties were reduced with increasing dam age (Fouz et al., 2012). Unfortunately, that trial did not go on to evaluate feedlot performance. Thus, there remains a dearth of scientific references for crossbred mating decisions as well as subsequent growth performance and carcass outcomes.



2018 ◽  
Vol 58 (7) ◽  
pp. 1271 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Tulio Costa Almeida ◽  
Jane Maria Bertocco Ezequiel ◽  
Josimari Regina Paschoaloto ◽  
Henrique Leal Perez ◽  
Vanessa Barbosa de Carvalho ◽  
...  

The effects of high concentrations of crude glycerin were investigated in diets for feedlot lambs. Forty crossbred (Santa Ines × Dorper) uncastrated male lambs (21.7 ± 2.7 kg bodyweight) were assigned to a complete randomised block and subjected to four experimental diets containing 0, 100, 200, or 300 g crude glycerin/kg DM. Animals were weighed at 14-day intervals and were harvested when they reached ~35 kg bodyweight. The feed intake, feeding behaviour, growth performance, carcass and meat traits, and edible non-carcass components were evaluated. The inclusion of more than 100 g/kg crude glycerin in the diets increased days on feed and decreased DM intake and average daily gain. Crude glycerin increased number of chews and the time spent chewing per feed bolus. There were no effects of crude glycerin on pH and colour of Longissimus muscle at 45 min or 24 h after slaughter, as well as on other carcass and edible non-carcass characteristics. The addition of crude glycerin reduced perirenal fat without detrimental effect on others fat deposition sites. In conclusion, the addition of up to 100 g/kg DM in diets for crossbred finishing lambs seems to be the most interesting strategy, as it promotes greatest animal performance. However, the inclusion of up to 300 g/kg DM of the by-product could be possible depending on glycerin market price and the structure of feedlot operation, with favourable economic results despite high inclusions reflect in greater number of days on feed.



2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
M.L. Seshoka ◽  
P.J. Fourie ◽  
A.T. Kanengoni ◽  
I.M.M. Malebana ◽  
R.S. Thomas ◽  
...  

In this experiment, the effects were evaluated of various dietary inclusion levels of avocado oil cake (AOC) silage on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and carcass characteristics in pigs. A mixture of 70% AOC, 25% wheat bran, and 5% sugarcane molasses was ensiled in 200 L drums for 90 days. It was then incorporated at 0%, 3% and 5% in the experimental diets. Twenty-seven Large White cross Landrace (LW x LR) weaner pigs, with an average live weight of 22 kg, were stratified by weight and randomly allocated to the three experimental diets (9 pigs/diet). Pigs were weighed individually each week throughout the trial. Daily feed intake, average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion rates (FCRs) were recorded. A nutrient digestibility study was carried out on completion of the growth trial. At the end of the experiment, pigs were fasted for twelve hours and weighed to determine the final weight. The pigs were then slaughtered, and carcass samples were collected and analysed. The growth performance of pigs was not affected by diet, irrespective of fibre levels in the AOC silage. However, the addition of 3% AOC silage improved the digestibility of fibre fractions. The weights of the cold carcass, chops, and backfat thickness were reduced with AOC silage addition.



2019 ◽  
Vol 99 (1) ◽  
pp. 82-106
Author(s):  
J. Park ◽  
C.P. Campbell ◽  
E.J. Squires ◽  
C.F.M. de Lange ◽  
I.B. Mandell

Entire male (EM) pigs (152; ∼30 kg body weight) were used to examine immunocastration using Improvest and feeding ractopamine on growth performance, carcass and meat quality, and fatty acid composition. Timing for administering second dose of Improvest compared dosing at 4 and 8 wk pre-slaughter. A factorial arrangement evaluated two genotypes [Large Whites and Duroc crossbreds (Durocs)] by five management regimens (EM fed control diet, EM fed ractopamine, second dose Improvest 4 wk pre-slaughter, second dose Improvest 8 wk pre-slaughter, second dose Improvest 4 wk pre-slaughter plus ractopamine). Average daily gain and gain to feed (G:F) were generally greater (P ≤ 0.01) in Durocs. Immunocastration increased (P < 0.01) dry matter intake (DMI); feeding ractopamine decreased (P < 0.02) DMI and increased (P < 0.03) G:F. Immunocastration decreased (P < 0.04) carcass and lean yields; feeding ractopamine increased (P < 0.04) carcass weights, lean yield, muscling, and longissimus shear force while decreasing (P < 0.01) backfats. Immunocastration did not affect loin pH, color, drip loss, and shear force. Timing for second Improvest dose did not affect most growth performance, carcass, and meat quality traits except for greater (P < 0.02) backfats when administering dose 8 wk pre-slaughter. Effects of immunocastration and (or) feeding ractopamine were relatively consistent in both genotypes evaluated.



2016 ◽  
Vol 96 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shahid Mahmood ◽  
John A. Basarab ◽  
Walter T. Dixon ◽  
Heather L. Bruce

Recent research indicated that reduced carcass muscling and weight are associated with beef dark cutting. Existing data from a single farm (44 heifers, 136 steers) from three normal beef quality grades (Canada AAA, AA, A) and the dark cutting grade (Canada B4) (n = 35, 106, 28, and 11, respectively) were used to identify relationships between sex, live animal, and carcass characteristics and the incidence of dark cutting. Categorical modelling showed a trend (P = 0.106) for heifer carcasses to have a greater probability [11.36 ± 4.78% standard error of the mean (SEM)] of dark cutting than carcasses from steers (4.4 ± 1.76% SEM). Mixed model analysis of variance indicated dark cutting heifers weighed less than cattle from normal grades at weaning (P = 0.0229) and slaughter (P = 0.0295). Logistic regression revealed that the probability of each carcass grade occurring was influenced by dry matter intake (DMI) (P = 0.0034), and the probability of dark cutting was lowest (P = 0.0286) in cattle with carcasses greater than 300 kg. Results suggested that cattle at risk of dark cutting may be identified by weight, average daily gain (ADG), and feed intake.



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